Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-08-05
.Then don't tell me, Mrs. Barkley."

YOU. SIR" rambled on the good soul.
she'd throw over her long-faced-judge
in minute if she thought"
Mr.. Heywode stopped the indiscreet
flow of words by an impatient move
ment of his hand. and noting the
frown on his forehead. the old lady
wisely withdrew.
But there was no hint of sadness or
arriere pensee about Harold when he
joined the gay throng in his drawing
rooms. Some one was playing n rapid
mazurka, while n dashing girl was try
ing to teach stupid partner the dance
a Ia polonaiSe; few interested specta-
tators alternately essayed to initiate.
and took out their discontinue in rid
dicule when they failed to catch the
light abandon of the one who knew
how. A few more were idly sauntering
up and down. while others conversed
in groups or pairs.
I'VE were discussing old customs
said one, as Mr., Heywode appeared.
perhaps you can add to our know
ledge. Al we know about this is that
Epiphany or Twelfth Night festivities
are still kept up in old countries and
in various ways-as Lord of Misrule in
Scotland, and King of Bean in France. ;"
I'm some parts of Tcuraine, " replied
Mr.. Heywode. Il have seen very
elaborate court ceremonial. After the
bean was found. five slices Of cake
were devoutly laid aside. one for our
Lord. one for his mother, one for each
of the three W Sc men, and these were
afterward given to the poor. The king
and queen were crowned. and a king
fool chosen, who was expected to
sparkle with wit. The king was lifted
three times in his chair, and obliged to
make three crosses on the ceiling with
piece of chalk, to avert evil from the
house, as they said-to bring good
luck for the year, as we should put 1t.
That ceremony is only possible, OF
course, among the peasants and simple
folk, whose ceilings are sufficiently
low. But come he continued, pass
ing on 10 the further end of the room,
and lifting portere. He invited them
to follow him through hall, and into
long room. where the Twelfth Night
feast was spread.
Shortly after. Rosamond Young,
flourishing a massive silver knife, pro-
ceeded to divide and distribute the
cake. Much mrth ensued as the
search went for the hidden articles,
which were to confer such honor for
the night, and the fun reached its
height when Judge Wesley John was
possessed of the bean. So solemn a
king could never have been since the
davs of Edward the Confessor and
Louis the saint; but with a benign
smile he allowed himself to be crown
ed, and even seemed to enjoy, in
esigned fashion, the temporary supre-
macy he had acquired. The pea fell
! to the girl who danced the mazurka in
! the Polish style, and it is on record
that she offered her crown TO Rosa
mond, who as promptly declined it,
laugh 'ngly condolng with her on hav-
ing a consort who might have serious
! scruples against her favorlte pastime.
Il may stir the people up to revolu-
tion," she answered, merrily. I'VE
may insist on the king dancing the
| the mazurka-"
"Gravely dignifed a. he seems" in
terrupted Miss Young. Il believe him
quite cabable of leading you all dance.
/ He will rule h own realm"
And so 1t proved. As according to
the laws of the bean. all had to act
like their sovereign they soon found
that they had enough to do to follow
his eccentric majesty head.
OF all the line of monarchs crowned
at Heywode none had ever surpassed
Mr.. John in decorous misrule, and his
excessive gravity added to the success
of his role If Twelfth Night were to
finish Christmas. Harold Heywode' 5
guests were determ ned to give it a
right royal ending.
Only Rosamond. pale and tired. lean
ed back against the wall, waite hing the
others with a wan smile Mr.. Hey
wode turned his calm. pleasant face
toward her as he made some common
place remark, and, noting her weary
look, offered her chair
They have forgotten the ring cake, y
she said as she accepted it. Il never
knew that to happen before"
Speaking of rings he said, with
an effort of lightness, are you to be
married soon? As very old friend
may ask?"
ZIP Oh! no. am not expecting 10
be married at all.
81 beg your pardon. understood
at least | was told-that Judge John"
IL know. Every one has decided on
that except Mr. John and myself
have never contrad cted the report